Kirkwood Observatory

On the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, Kirkwood Observatory has welcomed stargazers since 1901, making it one of the older working observatories in the American Midwest.

About Kirkwood Observatory

Kirkwood Observatory is owned and operated by Indiana University. It is named for Daniel Kirkwood (1814–1895), an astronomer and professor of mathematics at the university who discovered the divisions in the asteroid belt now known as the Kirkwood Gaps.

History

The observatory was built in 1900 and dedicated on 15 May 1901. It underwent a complete restoration between 2001 and 2002, and over its history has been guided by several notable directors, including John A. Miller (1901–06), Wilbur A. Cogshall (1907–44) and Frank K. Edmondson (1944–78).

Telescopes & research

The observatory's primary instrument is a 12-inch refracting telescope with a Brashear objective lens, manufactured by the Warner & Swasey Company. It also has an instructional solar telescope for studying the sun. Kirkwood is no longer used for active research; today it serves an educational role, supporting outreach events and undergraduate classes, though a wheelchair-accessible entrance is not available.

Location & getting there

The observatory sits on the Indiana University campus in Bloomington, Indiana, in the North America region — an easy stop for visitors already exploring the university.

Visiting Kirkwood Observatory

Indiana University runs public outreach events at Kirkwood Observatory; check the department's outreach page for current dates and details before visiting, as the site is not wheelchair accessible.

See your named star from here

Kirkwood Observatory's long history of public stargazing makes it a fitting place to look for a star of your own. Name a star with Star Register, then find its coordinates in our star catalogue to seek it out at an outreach night.